But the statement noted that too often these contributions go unrecognized, and instead the public debate is dominated by xenophobic attitudes and discrimination, both in and outside the workplace.

It said discrimination based on one's migration status not only violates human rights; it is also an impediment to decent work and to social integration more broadly.

According to the joint statement, migrants in an irregular situation are often particularly at risk of abuse, as they are more likely to face discrimination, exclusion, exploitation and abuse at all stages of the migration process.

The ILO and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for a redoubling of efforts to raise awareness of migrants' positive social and economic contributions to society. They suggested that it was time to implement human rights and labour standards more effectively, and to put in place concrete measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia.